River Dane near Swettenham by Keith Carter

Swettenham Arms by Keith Meredith

Swettenham Church by Keith Meredith

Swettenham by Stephen Bridgehouse

Twemlow Viaduct by Keith Carter

Viewing Point at Quinta Arboretum by Keith Meredith

Sir Bernard Lovell is famous for establishing the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory just outside Goostrey which is one of the leading astrophysics centres in the world.

The Lovell Telescope which bears his name is a Grade I listed building and is the third largest steerable dish radio telescope in the world.

But did you know that this famous scientist left a more earthly legacy during his life in Cheshire?

For most of his life in Cheshire, Sir Bernard Lovell lived in Swettenham, a small village few miles south of Jodrell Bank and just north of Congleton and the River Dane.

After acquiring a large section of open grassland in the area, Sir Lovell created the Quinta Arboretum, a 28 acre arboretum and botanic site that also contained over 12 acres of woodland.

The arboretum which is now managed by the Tatton Garden Society features over 800 species and 2500 trees and shrubs, including two national collections and a collection of endangered conifers as well as meadows of bluebells and lavender.